Ford Partners with TomTom for Real-Time Traffic Services

Ford has awarded TomTom a global multi-year deal to provide real-time traffic services on the automaker’s SYNC technology for the all-new F-150 and Mustang Mach-E SUV EV.

Drivers of the F-150 and Mustang Mach-E will be able to adjust trips based on traffic forecasts, thanks to innovations from TomTom, which powers Ford’s next-generation Ford SYNC technology navigation system, according to Ford Motor Co.

TomTom Traffic provides accurate, real-time traffic information, that is designed to keep Ford drivers informed and can help them reduce their travel time. The advanced service can even predict traffic changes such as congestion before they happen by processing more than 70 million driving hours every day from millions of connected devices and leveraging SYNC’s increased computing power to update navigation systems every 30 seconds.

“Their next-generation SYNC technologies have twice the computing power of the previous-generation system to do much more, including real-time, smartphone-like mapping that can help you adjust on the fly to quicker routes based on their network of millions of connected devices,” said Stuart Taylor, executive director, Enterprise Connectivity.

The New, Connected F-150

The new SYNC 4 is standard on the 2021 F-150, which arrives this fall, helping keep drivers connected and making their days more productive with available natural voice control as well as real-time mapping and customizable information on demand, the automaker said. The technology builds on more than 10 years of SYNC innovation by helping minimize distractions with hands-free voice control as well as core features such as making phone calls and selecting music.

Ford’s navigation system and TomTom Traffic are fully connected to and informed by the internet with maps the latest available traffic and construction information, ensuring customers are getting the most up-to-date info for their routes. Ford also equipped SYNC 4 with optional navigation with the ability to share parking space availability and prices.

By taking advantage of state-of-the-art, cloud-based voice processing, SYNC 4 can understand conversational requests and offer data-based suggestions to drivers. Staying in contact is also easier with natural speech recognition enabling communication via SMS and email.

Mustang Mach-E

Making its debut in the Mustang Mach-E is the SYNC 4A connected vehicle technology, a sleek and modern interface that uses machine learning to quickly learn drivers’ preferences will keep Mach-E SUVs at the forefront of technology better over time, thanks to advanced over-the-air updates. A 15.5-inch screen and adaptive dash card interface ditches complicated menus, making it easier to access features with touch, swipe and pinch controls like smartphones.